Wisconsin Cheese: Six Generations of Sustainable Cheesemaking

I learned so much during my recent visit to Wisconsin, sponsored by the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (WMMB) Chef Ambassador Program. Did you know that six generations of Wisconsin dairy farmers have been creating wonderful cheese products for 160 years?  Wisconsin is not only the number one cheese producing state in the nation; it also has the most artisan cheesemakers and is the top producer of specialty cheeses, winning the most awards for their cheeses.

These days we talk about sustainable products and respecting our environment, and I saw these values displayed by the dairy farmers and cheesemakers in Wisconsin. “Our dairy farmers are really stewards of the land,” said Heather Porter Engwall, director of National Product Communications for the WMMB. “They really care, not only about treating the land well, but also their cows with utmost respect and care, because they know that’s what’s going to be there in the future. There are so many stories of farmers and cheesemakers who have discovered and created innovative ways to be green and take care of what they have.”

Another factor that just amazed me was the cleanliness and sanitation of the cheesemakers.  The whole operation was just immaculate. “Wisconsin has the most strict regulations for cheesemakers,” Heather said. “There are many rules the cheesemakers have to follow to make sure the products are safe and consumer friendly.”

Be watching my blog for descriptions of the unique artisan cheesemakers we visited on the tour.